Title: Dans la Nuit
Author: Gia
E-Mail:
Rating: PG
Pairing: none
Time: Present time.
Summary: [Sequel, AU] After a memorable Mass in the Cathedral, the elves have come to kidnap two choir boys. They are thrust into a world not like their own, to fight an evil that is revealed to have a connection with Harry himself.
Disclaimer: I own not a thing.
Author Notes: It's been awhile, eh? I haven't given up on Harry Potter, don't worry! Anyway, there is nothing new to report. No changes to be seen. Lucky you! I think it would be better to put the Elvish translations beside the elvish in the chapter. I realize that it may pose as a hassle when you're into the reading and you have to stop to find out what a couple of words mean. So, yeah, you'll see it in italics. XD
IMPORTANT: I have never, ever tried archery. I know nothing about it, nothing practical anyway. I always do research for my stories, so I'm not going to make up anything here. I've done as much research I can understand, so for those who actually practice archery, be kind if you point out faults in my directions.. --.. That's all!
Harry relented from his teasing Draco once the food was presented to them. In any case, it didn't matter since Draco was already immersed in stuffing his face with as much elegance as he had. And that was quite surprising.
Harry himself, however, just toyed with the food in front of him. As welcoming as the elves were, it was quite a drastic change for him. He wondered at the ease Draco had in slipping in, but chalked up to Draco's ability at blending in. Either that or he was just very good at hiding his nervousness. Harry assumed he had handled his meeting with Valandil so well because he was caught up in the moment. He didn't feel any inclination in backing out of his promise, no, he just felt terribly anxious. He didn't want to raise anyone's hopes, whether the prophecy suggested it or not, he just didn't feel as mighty as the one to save the race of elves.
It sounded too grand to fit his persona.
"Harry." Draco nudged him in the side, and Harry looked up with unfocused eyes. "You okay?"
"Wha--? Oh! Yes, of course-- sorry, I just got caught up.." Harry stuttered, shaking his head a little to clear his thoughts and not appear like a complete idiot.
"Oh? In what?"
"Huh?" Harry frowned, letting his eyes look anywhere but Draco. He idly watched Barith's immobile from against the wall on the other side. "What do you mean 'in what?"
Draco didn't answer right away, glancing back at Barith. He turned away quickly, looking at Harry to show him that he rolled his eyes, having abandoned his food in finding out what was wrong with Harry.
"Harry," he started slowly, "You said you got caught up. So, I asked in what?" He raised an eyebrow as Harry's face turned increasingly red with embarrassment as Draco continued to speak to him as if he were a child. "Do you remember?"
It was Harry's turn to roll his eyes, cuffing Draco in the shoulder lightly, "Yes, sorry, I was still out of it. I was just caught up," Harry gestured widely with his hands, "with everything, really."
Draco turned in his seat to face Harry fully. "What do you mean?"
Harry gained an incredulous look. "I don't know if you've noticed Draco, but we're in some unknown land with elves, and I've-- or rather, we've been asked to help save a race of elves. You're taking this all pretty well."
"I should say the same for you, Harry. You barely gave a pause when that Valandil elf asked you to help, didn't bat an eye." he looked at Harry pointedly.
Harry nodded and he turned his head away from Draco's look.
He heard Draco sigh from beside him and felt his hand land on his shoulder. "Look, Harry, I know. It is a lot to handle, but I'm just trying to keep things light, you know? I don't want to keep thinking about how we've placed ourselves in this kind of thing, something you shouldn't do either, so that's why.. I seem okay with it." Harry could almost sense Draco shrugging.
Harry let out a small laugh. "You're right. I don't know what I'm thinking here. I think I just need to get some sleep, that's all."
Draco nodded superiorly at Harry's comment, making shooing motions with his hand to usher Harry to go. "I'm not too tired yet, so you go on ahead. I trust you won't get lost, hm?"
Harry childishly stuck out his tongue, before hitting Draco upside the head. "We'll see who gets lost, Draco. You'll see."
Harry turned with a small smile and walked away.
Draco just smiled at Harry's retreating back and turned back around. A few of the elves had already left, so Draco wasn't as crowded as before. He had time to mull over Harry's words. Since earlier in the afternoon, Draco had been wondering he didn't feel any type of fear or worry. After more poking and prodding at his mind, he realized that he did feel slightly anxious, but it was mostly overridden by his logic. He knew that worrying now would get him nowhere, and it would certainly not help Harry.
'It was nice to be the voice of reason' Draco thought with a smile.
He noticed Barith standing off to the side, having finished his dinner earlier than anyone. Draco stood and headed straight for him.
Barith inwardly froze at the sight of Draco making his way over to him. No, he didn't fear him, but he just didn't feel he was on good terms with the youth. Since the beginning, they had started off on the wrong foot. Although Barith couldn't blame him. Seeing you're friend be unnecessarily threatened wasn't the best way to start a friendship.
Draco never once looked out of place when speaking to any of the elves, so Barith wasn't surprised when Draco merely took a spot beside him. Leaning against the wall in a casual fashion. "So, Barith I think it was, how are you?"
Barith raised an eyebrow for two reasons. Firstly, that Draco could remember his name from one Valandil told him and the others to leave. Secondly, the fact that he wasn't threatening him. "I'm.. fine." he said after a pause.
"Hm." was Draco's only reply.
Barith had half a mind to just push off the wall and walk away now, but it would be like he was afraid of the boy. Barith couldn't back down.
"Is there anything in particular you wish to discuss?"
"What are your intentions towards Harry?"
Barith found himself unsurprised by Draco's directness. It was going to be brought up sooner or later, and Barith was glad that it was sooner.
"What are you insinuating?" he decided to ask, forgoing to answer.
"I think it's obvious. You're methods in getting Harry to come with you.."
"Yes..?" Barith prompted, wondering what Draco would say.
"They quite plainly, sucked."
Silence.
Barith couldn't keep the momentary shock from appearing on his face. He looked again at Draco's face, and saw amusement written on his face. Barith returned the grin that was slowly appearing on Draco's face.
"Yes, well you're comments will be heeded in the future."
Draco smirked, nodding his head in farewell and walked away without another word.
The following weeks from that day had become a swift routine to the two boys. They were allowed the chance of settling in but the two were quick on picking up the unease from the other elves. It was an illusion, the carefree feeling the two had been experiencing. They had come to this land for a reason, and it wasn't to be forgotten. So, coming up with a decision, the two approached Valandil about learning a few things while they were staying.
Valandil chose to ignore the implication of them leaving anytime soon. He had already expected them to come to him and prepared several elves to train them in archery. To keep things smoother between the boys, he chose the same elves that had retrieved Harry and Draco in the first place.
It was yet another sunny day, although the true date eluded the two boys. Time seemed to have escaped their minds and it was like repeating the same day over, with different activities. The thought of learning archery with the elves was a definite remedy to their feelings of uselessness. The two were eager to learn and had woken up early to get ready. They chose to wait at the base of the greatest tree in the city, and kept their eyes peeled for their instructors.
Whether they were please or not, the elves didn't know, since boys' attention were fixed on the slender bows in their hands. Lólindir, Barith, and Morwen didn't know what to expect from the two, like Barith, they thought there would be ill-will directed at them.
Morwen's brother, Lólindir, was the first to speak. "Today's lesson will be simple," his golden eyes looked solemnly at the two, "we will work on aiming. Then--"
"Lólindir, tampa tanya." She rebuffed softly. She smiled kindly the two. "How about we get them acquainted with their bows before you starting anything too difficult?"
Lólindir frowned at the interruption but nodded reluctantly. Barith hid a smile behind his hand at the siblings. They handed over two bows and led them away from the main tree. Practicing was usually spent outside the city walls but it was no longer safe. Luckily, the trees were lenient and spoke of a clear path near the Far East side. The boys walked behind the trio, talking to each other in whispers.
"Do you think it will be easy Draco?"
"Can't be harder than fencing, I think.. I don't know." Draco shrugged.
"You and your fencing," Harry teased gently, "you should watch out Draco. I may best you in archery if you can best me in fencing."
Draco gave a challenging smile. "Harry, Harry," he repeated, tsk-ing lightly, "do you honestly think you can best me?"
Harry laughed, shaking his head as his only response. "We'll see, Draco, we'll see."
They approached the Far East side. The elves wasted no time in beginning the lesson. Morwen merely smiled and stepped back, allowing her brother and Barith to take control of the lesson.
Lólindir began first, an action that was slowly becoming a common occurrence for the proud elf. "I do not know of the custom for humans dealing in the art of archery. Our methods may seem different."
He paused, waiting to see if any of the boys would contest his statement, but nodded his head in approval when he received no response. "Grip the center section of your bow," Draco and Harry fumbled with the slender wood, and gripping it tight, "this part of the bow, the riser, is what you really hold. Do not remove your grip from this spot when aiming, or your arrow will be off. Steadiness is the key here."
Barith took this time to address the two. The two were apparently in their element, and there were no such things as interruptions between them. "The anchor point is the exact location that one pulls and holds the bowstring back before releasing."
Barith was walking towards the pair during his speech, stopping between the two. "Your anchor will be the position of the drawing hand under the chin or in contact with some part of the face before shooting like so." Barith drew the string back, a sound barely whispering from the motion. Barith relaxed from the position, turning towards Harry. "May I?"
Harry blinked, and handed over his bow. He sent a confused look over behind Barith's back to Draco, mindful that Lólindir may see. Barith, who already had his arrows strapped in a bundle and slung over his back, didn't waste his time in drawing the arrow out and placing it in the position he was instructing them.
"Draco," he said suddenly, turning his head to the other side to face the startled boy. "try to mimic how I grip."
Draco nodded uncertainly, and held the bow in accordance to Barith's grip. He aligned the arrow he was handed and drew the bowstring back, keeping his position still as Barith instructed.
Barith hummed in thought, making minute changes in Draco's grip. He stepped to eye how Draco held it before nodding in approval. "This is called the full draw. A position you two should be fast acquainted with because we will be using it often. As Lólindir mentioned, steadiness is the key. Your aim must be chosen, and your arrow straight. Lólindir will show you the rest."
Lólindir said nothing as he approached Draco, leading him a few feet away so that they could aim farther away from anyone.
"Do you remember the position I showed Harry?"
Harry nodded slowly, picturing in his mind Barith's hands. He held the bow, and with the arrow given to him, imitated Barith.
"Your hands are steady, that's good. But relax your grip a bit. Your grip should be immovable, but not gripping. Think of it as being a fluid motion." Harry tilted his head in thought, and loosened his hands.
Barith smiled his approval. "No doubt you are eager to start releasing your arrows?"
Harry grinned sheepishly.
"Here's a tip I recall when I was learning archery. You can look through the bow's window." Barith didn't elaborate right away, choosing instead to motion Harry to follow him. Wondering why, Harry's question was answered at the sound of an arrow being loosed. He glanced back, seeing Draco's proud expression. Harry smiled, and his excitement grew at the prospect of being able to shoot with precision.
Once the pair were farther away, Harry became aware of taupe colored posts, some slender and others wide. It was obvious that this is what Harry would be aiming for.
"The bow's window," Barith began, "is the gap between the bowstring and the edge of the bow that some archers see when aiming." Harry was to come into full draw so Barith could indicate the bow's window he was referring to. Satisfied that Harry understood, Barith added, "However, most archers prefer to line up their string with some part of the bow or sight, but without looking through this gap, since it can vary in width."
Barith gave a light shrug. "It depends on what's more comfortable for the archer. But now, I think we'll accomplish more once we start things, hm?"
Harry grinned but suddenly felt nervous on his first try. Barith sensed the sudden apprehension and laid a calming hand on Harry's shoulder. "Relax, Harry. No one's judging you here. I don't expect anything."
Giving a nervous laugh, Harry positioned the bow into a full draw. Licking his suddenly chapped lips, Harry narrowed his eyes at the wider posts. Focusing on keeping his arrow from moving off target, Harry let go. The arrow whistled through the air and struck the center of the post. Harry felt relief flooding through him. If his following tries missed, it would be alright to him. Just as long as his first try went well, he'd still be satisfied with the knowledge that he could shoot an arrow.
"Excellent!" called Barith with mild surprise. "Have either you or Draco done this before?"
"Not me.. I don't think Draco has either, but you should probably ask him. He fences, and that's all I know."
"Hm.. Regardless, the two of you have proven to show potential." Harry blushed at the compliment, suddenly glad that Draco wasn't there to see it or else he'd be teased mercilessly.
"Really, Harry," Barith spoke, his voice growing softer. "Lle ume quel.." You did well..
Harry found his blush deepening.
Morwen had long since left the company of the four, preferring to head back towards the trees in which she previously resided in. It had been too long, in her opinion, away from the safety of the Elvin city. Still, it was naïve of her to presume that they were safe even here. While the city itself was protected by ancient magic, it didn't completely protect against Xavier's newfound one.
She was quick in winding her way up the tree, coming to rest inside the deeper structures that were nestled higher up. The Elvin ladders could only reach so far, as it led up into a plain wooden stage that wound the rest of the way around the trunk of the tree. She found herself being unconsciously pulled to her bed chambers and she lay on her bed. The soft sheets and pillows were a welcome to her tired body.
No matter where she was, this place held her heart.
A memory came unbidden to her mind as she allowed herself to close her eyes and let sleep overcome her. It was the day Ecthelion had come back. She, Lólindir, and Barith were the one of the first to arrive with Valandil to the scene. It may have been a small mercy to see no type of struggle there, no bloodshed that was apparent. On the other hand, it gave them less of a chance of finding clues to the revered elf's whereabouts. Morwen remembered every detail…
…The feeling of agitation seemed to ripple throughout the elves. Morwen could still remember the feeling of cold water passing through her before the feeling vanished. Her brother, who was with her at the time, had to sit down for awhile to let the feeling of dizziness pass. The strange occurrences were shared with the other elves, causing all to immediately seek out the council of the Elders. She and Lólindir were quick in reaching the Elder's place first. They met Valandil on the way, the Elder who was closest to the Head.
"Valandil, what is going on? Where is Ecthelion Sáralondë? Does he know…"
Something in the elf's eyes stilled the rest of Morwen's words. "Valandil, does Ecthelion know?" she asked, more persistently.
Valandil sighed, motioning for them to follow. Standing in front of the doors to Ecthelion's quarters, was another elf. The siblings instantly recognized him. Barith. An elf that many of the other elves assumed would be a strong Head Elder. Her brother looked between Valandil and Barith, and seemed to catch on before she could.
"No.." he whispered.
Morwen couldn't understand the disbelief that leaked from Lólindir's voice, but she felt determined to approach Ecthelion's chambers. "What's going on?" she demanded. "Mani marte?" she switched into elvish. What happened? "Is he alright?"
The three of them followed Valandil inside. Ecthelion's rooms were… normal. Nothing seemed too disturbed. Valandil just shook his head and took them towards Ecthelion's study. All important manuscripts of the elves were kept in the Head Elder's room, and in this case, Ecthelion's keeping.
The three immediately took notice to the monumental difference. Everything was bare, the elaborate table wiped clean from the documents that rested on it. The shelves were empty.
The three kept their questions to themselves, disturbed at Valandil's uncharacteristic silence. The Elder, yet again, led them away from Ecthelion's rooms and headed towards his own. They passed by another Elder, who was preparing to do down and inform the other elves of Ecthelion's disappearance.
Once seated inside Valandil's residence, Valandil proceeded to tell them about the prophecy Ecthelion foretold. The future demise of Cala'quessir. Ecthelion's resoluteness to locate the one to save their race. Everything. Morwen had never felt so shocked in all her life…
…Morwen sighed, opening her eyes from their brief rest. That memory was yet to fade from her mind. Even thought the elves initiated search parties, they always turned up with no clue. It didn't help matters that Xavier had suddenly arisen as the elves' new enemy. The enemy Ecthelion foretold. It was too late for the late Head Elder, but it didn't mean that the elves would stand back and allow their brethren to fall victim to this being.
Still, she wondered at the presence of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Would they really be the ones to help them? Could they actually put their lives in these boys' hands?
She would have to wait, along with the others, to see if the two could pull it off.
"Today was definitely exhausting."
"Mmm.." Harry agreed quietly, snuggling deeper into the soft mattress. He could almost feel Draco rolling his eyes at him.
Since their stay, Harry and Draco had immediately assured Valandil that they didn't mind sharing the same room, which happened to include bedding arrangements. They had both agreed that they didn't want to inconvenience the elves anymore. Harry was secretly glad that Draco agreed because he still felt uncomfortable in the company of surreal-like creatures. Although he wasn't about to admit that anytime soon.
Harry could feel Draco shift around beside him before stilling. Harry smiled softly, but found his sleepiness suddenly vanishing. Frowning, he moved around to get into a comfortable position. Still, it seemed his movements only served to keep him awake. After five more minutes of moving, Draco finally snapped.
"Harry! Bloody--" Draco sighed loudly, using his left arm to stop Harry from moving. "What's the deal? Not ten minutes ago you were half way in dreamland."
Harry groaned, lightly shoving Draco's arm off him. "I know I was. But now I've lost the feeling to sleep."
"You're kidding me."
"No, Draco, I'm not."
Pause. "I know what I can do."
Even longer pause. Shift. "What do you here."
Harry raised an eyebrow in Draco's direction, although he was positive Draco couldn't see it. Shrugging inwardly, he scooted sideways until he was nearly touching the other boy. "Er.. Okay.. So what now?"
"I'm going to knock you out." Draco commented thoughtfully. "By bashing your head in."
Harry reacted violently towards the statement, and pushed Draco away. The push may have used more force than necessary because Draco was tumbling off the other side.
"Ouch-- Bloody-- damn--" Draco's swearing was muffled from the sheets he dragged down with him. Harry winced in sympathy and crawled over the other side to look down at Draco's pained expression.
"Sorry Draco.." Harry started meekly, reaching a hand out to help him up, "Couldn't help it."
"Jesus, Harry," Draco mumbled, grasping Harry's outstretched hand to get back into the bed. "if I knew you'd react that badly, to a joke might I add, then I wouldn't have said it in the first place."
"Erm.. I don't know what to say, Draco. Except sorry.." Harry visibly cringed after he finished speaking, waiting for Draco to yell angrily at him.
Rather than doing that, Harry found himself with a mouthful of… pillow.
"--!!? Draco..?"
"We're even." came the satisfied reply.
"…"
Thump.
"..Harry?"
Smile. "
Eyes widening, Harry shot out of the bed. Of course, successfully managing to get his feet tangled and falling down the other side of the bed.
"Ouch.."
Draco laughed softly, mirroring what Harry did by crawling to the other side and reaching down to help Harry up. "That's for throwing that pillow at me." Draco said teasingly, pulling Harry up easily. "So now, we're even."
Grumbling, Harry motioned for Draco to scoot over and sank gracefully into the bed. He sighed contentedly but opened his eyes. "You know, I'm still not sleepy."
"..my first proposal is still open."
"I rather like my head intact, Draco. Thanks for the offer though." Harry added the last as afterthought, his tone dry.
"No problem." Draco returned with a grin.
The two were soon silent, Harry inwardly bemoaning the fact that he could no longer sleep. Sighing, he closed his eyes once more, and sleep claimed him.
A/N: Yay! I've FINALLY updated the sequel.. XD Might I point out that the ending of this chapter was just a brotherly/friendly thing. I haven't decided on any romance.. Yes, I'm terrible. But you see, if I actually come out and say it. Then it'll become.. Real. And I'll slave over making it seem slashy, which may destroy the story, and…yeah. Confusing, I know. Oh well, it's only the second chapter. Things may change, things may not.
It's not that important to the story, is it? Well.. I guess it could be.. Aauugghh! Forget I said that. Just tell me what you think a review! XD
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